Numbers in Lule Sami
Julevsámegiella
Numbers in Lule Sami follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common among many Uralic languages. Spoken by approximately 2,000 people in northern Sweden and Norway along the Lule River, this language belongs to the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic family. Its counting system is unique because it combines base-20 patterns with specific formations for numbers below twenty and above twenty. Unlike purely decimal systems, Lule Sami constructs numbers like 22 as 'guoktalåkguokta' (22), combining the ten and unit directly. Exploring the numbers in Lule Sami reveals fascinating linguistic features and cultural insights, making it an intriguing language for both linguists and enthusiasts interested in indigenous counting systems.
Number system
Lule Sami uses a vigesimal system, where multiples of twenty form the basis of larger numbers. Numbers from 1 to 9 are unique words: akta [1], guokta [2], gålmmå [3], niellja [4], vihtta [5], guhtta [6], gietjav [7], gáktsa [8], aktse [9]. Tens are formed by combining the unit with 'låhke' (meaning ten), such as guoktalåhke [20] for twenty and gålmmålåhke [30] for thirty. Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing 'lågenan' (the form of ten) with the unit, e.g., lågenanakta [11], lågenanguokta [12], lågenangålmmå [13], and so on. Compound numbers above twenty are built by combining the ten's word (without the final -e) directly with the unit, e.g., guoktalåkguokta [22], gietjavlåkgáktsa [78]. The hundreds are expressed as 'tjuohte' (100), with larger numbers formed by multiplying these patterns. For example, 42 is constructed as 'gålmmålåhke guokta' (30 + 12).
Number list (28)
Counting rules
Units from 1 to 9
Numbers 1 through 9 are unique words: akta [1], guokta [2], gålmmå [3], niellja [4], vihtta [5], guhtta [6], gietjav [7], gáktsa [8], aktse [9].
Tens formation
Tens are formed by combining the unit with 'låhke' (meaning ten), e.g., lågev [10], guoktalåhke [20], gålmmålåhke [30], njielljalåhke [40], vihttalåhke [50], guhttalåhke [60], gietjavlåhke [70], gáktsalåhke [80], aktselåhke [90].
Numbers 11-19
Formed by prefixing 'lågenan' (the form of ten) to the unit, e.g., lågenanakta [11], lågenanguokta [12], lågenangålmmå [13], lågenanniellja [14], lågenanvihtta [15], lågenanguhtta [16], lågenangietjav [17], lågenangáktsa [18], lågenanaktse [19].
Compound numbers above twenty
Constructed by combining the ten's word (without the final -e) directly with the unit, e.g., guoktalåkguokta [22], gietjavlåkgáktsa [78].
Hundreds
The word for 100 is 'tjuohte'. Larger numbers are formed by multiplying and combining patterns, such as 142 as 'gålmmålåhke guokta' (30 + 12).
Unique features
The vigesimal system is exemplified by 22 as 'guoktalåkguokta', combining 20 and 2 directly without a connector.
Unlike many languages that use a decimal system, Lule Sami's use of base-20 influences how larger numbers are constructed, similar to some Celtic languages.
Numbers 11-19 are formed by prefixing 'lågenan' to units, e.g., lågenanvihtta [15], which is a pattern not common in Indo-European languages.
The word for 100, 'tjuohte', is a borrowed term from older Uralic or Scandinavian influences, showing cultural exchange.
Large numbers beyond 100 are formed by combining the base words, but the language does not currently have a standard form for numbers above 1000, reflecting its traditional usage.
Cultural context
Lule Sami is spoken by the indigenous Sami people in northern Scandinavia, primarily along the Lule River in Sweden and Norway. Their culture is deeply connected to reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. Numbers appear in traditional trade, navigation, and storytelling, often emphasizing kinship and land boundaries. The number 7, gietjav, is considered culturally significant, and certain numbers like 13 are avoided in superstitions. The language reflects a close relationship with nature, with counting systems adapted to their environment and lifestyle. Despite modernization, traditional counting remains vital in cultural rituals and local markets, preserving their linguistic heritage.
Fun facts
The number 16 is 'lågenanguhtta', literally 'the ten plus six', illustrating the additive pattern in the vigesimal system.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Lule Sami's use of base-20 is similar to the ancient Mayan system, highlighting diverse human counting methods.
Lule Sami's formation of numbers like 78 ('gietjavlåkgáktsa') demonstrates complex compound word formation, combining multiple elements into one word.
Historically, the Sami people used their counting system for reindeer herding and seasonal tracking, vital for their survival and cultural identity.
The language's current lack of standard words for numbers above 1000 suggests a traditional focus on smaller, practical numbers rather than large-scale mathematics.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Lule Sami?
1 - akta, 2 - guokta, 3 - gålmmå, 4 - niellja, 5 - vihtta, 6 - guhtta, 7 - gietjav, 8 - gáktsa, 9 - aktse, 10 - lågev.
What number base does Lule Sami use?
Lule Sami uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like guoktalåhke [20], gålmmålåhke [30], and compound forms like guoktalåkguokta [22].
How do you say 42 in Lule Sami?
42 is 'gålmmålåhke guokta', combining 30 ('gålmmålåhke') and 12 ('lågenanguokta') following the pattern of combining tens and units directly.
How do you say 100 in Lule Sami?
The word for 100 is 'tjuohte'. Larger numbers are formed by combining multiples of 100 with other patterns, but 'tjuohte' itself is the base for hundreds.
How many people speak Lule Sami?
Approximately 2,000 people speak Lule Sami, primarily in northern Sweden and Norway.
Is Lule Sami related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Uralic family, specifically the Finno-Ugric branch, related to Finnish, Estonian, and other Sami languages.
What makes Lule Sami counting unique?
Its vigesimal system, especially the formation of numbers like 22 ('guoktalåkguokta'), is distinctive, combining base-20 patterns with specific word formations.